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Even for Slow-Growth Davis, Providing Land for Tech Companies Proves Too Enticing

Originally intended for permanent farmland and open space, Davis, CA will consider whether 391 acres along its eastern edge should instead be used for a business technology park, reports Mark Anderson.

Three years ago, the City of Davis bought 391 acres of land with the intention of permanently conserving it as open space. Known as “Mace Curve” and “Leland Ranch”, the property is located on the city's eastern edge. Almost 75% percent of it is prime farmland.

The city partnered with the Yolo Land Trust to apply for a Natural Resources Conservation Services grant to put the land into a conservation easement, which is still in progress. However, before the process is complete, the City Council voted to explore other possible uses for the land, including a business technology park.

The site is one of the last large pieces of land left in the city, and business leaders want more space to grow. “This is not ‘build it and they will come,’” Councilwoman Rochelle Swanson said. “This is ‘build it or they will leave.’”